Champion Creed
Chapter 448 - 448 171 Isn't it reasonable to ask for 10 more points

448: 171: Isn’t it reasonable to ask for 10 more points?

(Requesting monthly votes!) 448: 171: Isn’t it reasonable to ask for 10 more points?

(Requesting monthly votes!) In this game, Dominique Wilkins was electrified, operating at full power, dazzling the Georgia Dome Stadium with his 22 points.

Of course, the Hawks players did not intentionally ease their gameplay.

If they had, it would have been a disrespect to this Atlanta legend.

However, when the Hawks had to focus all their energy on restraining Roger, Wilkins found himself with too many good opportunities.

Wilkins had an excellent touch today, hitting a solid percentage from both field goals and three-pointers.

In the fourth quarter, the 37-year-old Wilkins still delivered a signature windmill dunk.

Ultimately, Magic crushed the Hawks on their home court, 105 to 93.

Stevie Smith had another tough night, but tonight nobody cared about him.

Even though they lost the game, Hawks fans collectively cheered at the end of the match, paying tribute to the movie star’s final performance in Atlanta.

Wilkins knelt on the ground amidst the fans’ blessings and kissed the Hawks’ logo.

A perfect farewell night came to an end.

After the match, Hawks owner Ted Turner had dinner with Dominique Wilkins.

Their conversation focused on reminiscing about the past and wishing for the future.

But in the end, although Wilkins already had the answer, he couldn’t help but ask, “Sir, how did you know I was planning to retire after this season?”

Ted Turner’s reply was not surprising to Wilkins, “Roger told me.

He called me last night to give me the news and asked me to prepare all this for you.

Sorry, it was rushed.

This should have been more grand, but I promise, when the day for your jersey retirement ceremony comes, it will be ten times more grand.”

“I am already very satisfied, sir.”

“It’s all something we ought to do.”

Ted Turner genuinely respected Wilkins, although he had never led the team to a championship, he remained an unignorable iconic figure of the Hawks from the last era.

But to be honest, Ted Turner did all this not solely for Wilkins.

In the world of business, many things are just a part of a chain of interests.

You wouldn’t think the Lakers picked Bronny entirely because they saw pure potential in him, would you?

What Ted Turner did today was for Wilkins, but it was also for Roger.

He believed that everything that happened tonight had proven that Atlanta is also a basketball city.

The fans here love their stars, and these stars will never turn into a sideshow for other sports.

Moreover, tonight Ted Turner also indicated to Roger that he truly stands with his players, that he is a boss who fulfills their needs.

Tuner well knew Roger’s contract would only expire in 2000, and even if he opted for the player option, that would not be until the summer of 1998.

But for a star of this caliber, even if there was only a one in ten thousand chance of getting him, Ted Turner was willing to try.

If Michael Jordan could leave Chicago, why couldn’t Roger leave Orlando?

Turner’s broadcasting system had only merged with Time Warner a few years ago, making him the largest personal shareholder in Time Warner, and his wealth accumulation was at its peak in life.

So, he not only had the passion but also the capital to play this game.

Whether it’s the luxury tax or anything else, he could afford not to care.

His baseball team’s championship in ’95 made him fall in love with that feeling; he wanted his basketball team to shine as well.

Unlike owners who long to make money from their teams, Ted Turner sought an emotional value in this pursuit.

Anyway, he felt he was now friends with Roger.

If one day there truly was an opportunity to compete for Roger, Ted Turner believed the Hawks could be at the forefront.

Wilkins had an unforgettable night in Atlanta, and the next day, the whole team returned to Orlando and took a day off to ease the fatigue from the back-to-back away games.

Then, the team was set to face the Miami Heat!

This time, Pat Riley was honest before the game.

Last season’s “Battle of Deceit” had caused him tons of mental anguish.

The humiliating slap, the terrifying 54 points in one game, still often woke him up in the middle of the night.

Not to exaggerate, but Roger had become Pat Riley’s nightmare.

Michael Jordan only defeated Riley’s team, but Roger?

That damn rookie started tearing down Pat Riley’s heart from the beginning of the season.

But Riley’s silence did not mean his players would be silent.

Alonzo Mourning was asked about the “Battle of Deceit” before the game.

“You know, that was indeed a heartbreaking night.

But now, everything is different.

When Roger scored 54 points, I didn’t have Tim, Dennis, Jamal, or Alan beside me.

What I mean is, we’ve become a completely different team.

I believe we are ready.”

Jamal Mashburn, previously called a sycophant by Roger, responded more directly, “Forget the past, now we are going to snatch his victory, his home unbeaten record, and his MVP!

He can score 40 points on all MVP candidates’ heads?

He can try!

I won’t let him succeed, maybe Tim will be the one scoring 40!”

Jamal Mashburn’s confidence stemmed from the game against the Bullets three days prior, where Tim Hardaway went 13 for 25 from the field, 6 for 12 from three, and 13 for 14 from the free throw line, scoring a career-high 45 points.